Multi-dimensional customized icon and method for making same

ABSTRACT

A multi-dimensional icon is disclosed. It represents a theme. The icon has an inner core and a skin surrounding the inner core. The skin has a substrate with an inner side facing the inner core and an outer side. A focal image piece appearing on the outer side and is associated with the chosen theme.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a multi-dimensional (2-D or 3-D) customized icon and a method for making the icon. The icon represents a theme such as a retirement celebration, a baby shower, a wedding, a business or product promotion, a “get-well” greeting and the like. The icon has a skin that presents to an observer a collage of image pieces that individually or collectively symbolize the theme.

(2) Description of the Prior Art

Toy dolls for example are mass-produced. Though they may offer and attractive appearance and tactile feel, they are generally not available in abbreviated production runs at short notice on a customized basis.

Among the references considered before filing this application are: U.S. Pat. No. 5,009,626; U.S. Pat. No. 7,887,386; U.S. Pat. No. 8,070,553; U.S. Pat. No. 8,078,969; U.S. Pat. No. 8,086,064; U.S. Pat. No. 8,283,012; 2008/0156215; 2010/0023148; and 2012/0206496.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide multi-dimensional (2-D or 3-D) icons composed of united differently shaped integrated pieces that together represent an event or theme to be recognized (e.g., in a non-limited sense, a baby shower or a retirement celebration).

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a multi-dimensional (2-D or 3-D) customized icon and a method for making the icon. The icon represents a theme such as a retirement celebration, a baby shower, a wedding, a business or product promotion and the like. The icon has a skin that presents to an observer a collage of image pieces that individually or collectively symbolize the theme.

One illustrative embodiment of a multi-dimensional icon representing a theme includes an inner core and a skin surrounding the inner core.

The skin has a substrate having an inner side facing the inner core and an outer side. A focal image piece is affixed to a portion of the outer side, the focal image being associated with the theme. A plurality of satellite image pieces also associated with the theme are also affixed to the outer side of the substrate. Each satellite image is undistorted, and sized and shaped to conform with a neighboring focal or satellite piece so that when united, adjacent pieces form at least part of the skin and offer to an observer a collage of image pieces that symbolize the theme.

To make the multi-dimensional icon, selections may be made from the following method steps, not necessarily in the sequence listed:

-   -   A. selecting a theme to be symbolized;     -   B. collecting visual indicia that relate to the selected theme         and transforming the indicia to digital images, unless the         indicia already exist in digital form;     -   C. selecting a focal image that symbolizes the selected theme;     -   D. selecting a desired shape of a multi-dimensional object to         serve as a pattern;     -   E. collaging the satellite digital photographs/images around the         selected focal image to fit onto the selected object's pattern         by cutting, zooming, cropping, filtering, etc.;     -   F. scaling the digital collaged pattern to a desired size to         form a scaled pattern to print/transfer;     -   G. printing or transferring the scaled pattern onto a fabric         substrate that will serve as the skin of the three-dimensional         icon;     -   H. cutting the fabric substrate to pieces of a desired size;     -   I. customizing the theme to be symbolized by selecting colored         or textured fabrics for framing the focal image;     -   J. sewing and framing the selected focal image into a focal         point of the multi-dimensional icon;     -   K. sewing the remaining collaged object pattern pieces to the         focal image or to a neighboring piece to create a semi-final         icon;     -   L. adding any accessories to the semi-final icon to create an         intermediate icon; and     -   M. stuffing the intermediate icon by inserting a fill material         to form a final photo collaged icon with an encapsulating skin.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, taken with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of the front of an exemplary embodiment of a multi-dimensional (in this case, 3) icon;

FIG. 2 is a perspective rear view thereof;

FIG. 3 is represents a collection of visual indicia relating to a selected theme;

FIG. 4 is shows an initial framing of a focal image;

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross section of a portion of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 6 illustrates one way to join adjacent pieces; and

FIG. 7 is a process flow diagram of several steps that may be followed in making the embodiment of multi-dimensional icon.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In the specification and drawing figures there has been set forth preferred embodiments of the invention and although specific terms have been employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being defined in the following claims.

A multi-dimensional icon is disclosed. It represents a theme. The icon has an inner core and a skin surrounding the inner core. The skin has a substrate with an inner side facing the inner core and an outer side. A focal image piece appears on the outer side and is associated with the chosen theme. If desired, the focal image piece may be at least partially surrounded by piping, cording, or other edging.

A plurality of satellite image pieces are also associated with the theme. They appear on the outer side. At least some of the satellite images are sized and shaped to conform with a neighboring focal or satellite piece so that when united, adjacent pieces form at least part of the skin They offer to an observer a collage of image pieces that symbolize the theme.

The substrate is selected from such fabrics as cotton, polyester, silk, linen, hemp, rayon, nylon, bamboo, sheer, soy/organic, pineapple fiber, organza, wool, spun viscose challis, broadcloth.

The multi-dimensional icon has seams that connect adjacent edges of the focal and satellite pieces, thereby conforming the pieces to form a flaccid skin that will encapsulate the inner core and thus form the multi-dimensional icon.

In multi-dimensional icon, wherein there is a number (N) of satellite pieces, where 1<(N)<10000. Preferably the number of dimensions equals three. Optionally, if a blanket or quilt is desired, the number of dimensions equals two.

To make the multi-dimensional icon, the optional method steps (not necessarily executed in the sequence listed) are:

-   -   A. selecting a theme to be symbolized;     -   B. collecting visual indicia that relate to the selected theme         and transforming the indicia to digital images, unless the         indicia already exist as digital images;     -   C. selecting a focal image that symbolizes the selected theme;     -   D. selecting a desired shape of a multi-dimensional object to         serve as an inner core or pattern;     -   E. collaging the satellite digital photographs/images around the         selected focal image to fit onto the selected object's pattern         by cutting, zooming, cropping, filtering, etc.;     -   F scaling the digital collaged pattern to a desired size to form         a scaled pattern;     -   G. printing or transferring the scaled pattern onto a fabric         substrate that will serve as the skin of the multi-dimensional         object;     -   H. cutting the fabric substrate to pieces of a desired size;     -   I. customizing the theme to be symbolized by selecting colored         or textured fabrics for framing the focal image;     -   J. sewing and framing the selected focal image into a focal         point of the multi-dimensional icon;     -   K. sewing the remaining collaged object pattern pieces to the         focal image or to a neighboring piece to create a semi-final         icon;     -   L. adding any accessories to the semi-final icon to create an         intermediate icon; and     -   M. stuffing the intermediate icon by inserting a fill material         to form a final photo collaged skinned icon.

When framing the focal imaged piece into the skin of the multi-dimensional icon, it is desirable to avoid ripping—tensioned areas may convert a 2-D piece into a 3-D piece. Most commonly a rippling effect will show on the fabric because it is not stable enough to hold its correct shape and size to create the proper intended visual effect. Because of this, a stabilizing material of heavier weight is optionally used so the selected focal image can retain its intended pattern shape. This material can be sewn in or fused to the printed or transferred fabric to create a much heavier weight fabric. This stabilization process tends to flatten or avoid the rippling of the focal image piece and achieves the intended picture-like framing effect.

As used herein, these terms connote these meanings:

Print/Transfer: Ink, dye, paint, heat fusion, screen-printing, airbrushing, sublimation, marbling, stamping, embroidering, felting.

Fabrics: Cotton, polyester, silk, linen, hemp, rayon, nylon, bamboo, sheer, soy/organic, pineapple fiber, organza, wool, spun viscose challis, broadcloth; or stretch material.

Accessories: Sound modules, eyes, nose, ears, fingers, toes, tails, earrings, belts, badges, glasses, necklaces, clothing, bracelets, shoes, hats, masks, rhinestones, jewels, studs, sequence, patches, crystals, precious metals, pins, hair, wigs, tattoos, tools.

Objects/Shapes: Stuffed animals, golf club head covers, quilts, pillows, caps, hats, cushions, toys, clothing, scarves, collectibles.

While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A multi-dimensional icon representing a theme, the icon comprising: an inner core; a skin surrounding the inner core, the skin comprising: a substrate having an inner side facing the inner core and an outer side; a focal image piece appearing to the outer side, the focal image being associated with the theme; a plurality of satellite image pieces at least some of which are also associated with the theme that appear on the outer side, at least some of the satellite images being sized and shaped to conform with a neighboring focal or satellite piece so that when united, adjacent pieces form at least part of the skin and offer to an observer a collage of image pieces that symbolize the theme.
 2. The multi-dimensional icon as claimed in claim 1 wherein the substrate is selected from the group consisting of:
 3. The multi-dimensional icon as claimed in claim 1, further comprising seams that connect adjacent edges of the focal and satellite pieces, thereby conforming the pieces to form a flaccid skin that will encapsulate the inner core and thus form the multi-dimensional icon.
 4. The multi-dimensional icon as claimed in claim 1, wherein there is a number (N) of satellite pieces, where 1<(N)<10000.
 5. The multi-dimensional icon as claimed in claim 1, wherein the number of dimensions equals three.
 6. The multi-dimensional icon as claimed in claim 1, wherein the number of dimensions equals two.
 7. A method for making a multi-dimensional icon representing a theme, the method comprising the steps of: A. selecting a theme to be symbolized; B. collecting visual indicia that relate to the selected theme and transforming the indicia to digital images, unless the indicia already exist in digital form; C. selecting a focal image that symbolizes the selected theme; D. selecting a desired shape of a multi-dimensional object to serve as a pattern; E. collaging the satellite digital photographs/images around the selected focal image to fit onto the selected object's pattern by cutting, zooming, cropping, filtering, etc.; F. scaling the digital collaged pattern to a desired size to form a scaled pattern to print/transfer; G. printing or transferring the scaled pattern onto a fabric substrate that will serve as the skin of the three-dimensional icon; H. cutting the fabric substrate to pieces of a desired size; I. customizing the theme to be symbolized by selecting colored or textured fabrics for framing the focal image; J. sewing and framing the selected focal image into a focal point of the multi-dimensional icon; K. sewing the remaining collaged object pattern pieces to the focal image or to a neighboring piece to create a semi-final icon; L. adding any accessories to the semi-final icon to create an intermediate icon; and M. stuffing the intermediate icon by inserting a fill material to form a final photo collaged icon with an encapsulating skin. 